12/05/2025
Is the risk for acquiring Hep B low in infancy? Yes.
Is it zero? No.
Has a universal recommendation for vaccination at birth lowered HBV infection rates? YES
References
1. Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in Children With and Exposed to HIV. Bill G. Kapogiannis, Franklin Yates, Wei Li, et al. Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council (2025).
2. Hepatitis B. Jeng WJ, Papatheodoridis GV, Lok ASF. Lancet (London, England). 2023;401(10381):1039-1052. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01468-4.
3. Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Children and Adolescents. Indolfi G, Easterbrook P, Dusheiko G, et al. The Lancet. Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2019;4(6):466-476. doi:10.1016/S2468-1253(19)30042-1.
4. Importance of Perinatal Versus Horizontal Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in China. Yao GB. Gut. 1996;38 Suppl 2:S39-42. doi:10.1136/gut.38.suppl_2.s39.
5. Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Schillie S, Vellozzi C, Reingold A, et al. MMWR. Recommendations and Reports : Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Recommendations and Reports. 2018;67(1):1-31. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr6701a1.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series : Hepatitis B in Pregnancy: Updated Guidelines. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2024
Prevalence and Awareness of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: January
2017 - March 2020
Hepatology Communications, 2023